Ferrari have been pushed into an urgent hunt for a new reserve driver ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season, with one candidate said to be increasingly difficult to overlook. The situation has emerged as the team reshapes its driver support structure around Lewis Hamilton’s first year in red.
The Scuderia’s plans were disrupted after Zhou Guanyu agreed to join Cadillac, who are preparing for their debut F1 campaign as an American works outfit. Zhou’s decision means Ferrari must now quickly identify a replacement capable of stepping into a demanding reserve role if required.
Zhou had been brought in as Ferrari’s reserve for the 2025 season following his departure from Sauber at the end of 2024. His experience and familiarity with the modern F1 paddock made him a valuable asset during his short time with the Italian team.
However, the 26-year-old has opted for a fresh challenge, choosing to align himself with Cadillac’s ambitious project. In his new role, Zhou is set to act as a deputy option behind Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas as the team builds toward its first races.
With Zhou’s exit confirmed, Ferrari are now under pressure to act swiftly. As attention turns to potential replacements, at least one driver is emerging as a standout option, making it increasingly hard for the team to ignore him during this crucial decision-making process.
About the Author
